HC Deb 22 July 1946 vol 425 cc1683-4
71. Mr. Swingler

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs what is the estimated loss of oil supplies to His Majesty's Government as a result of the oilworkers' strike in the Anglo-Iranian Company which began on 14th July.

Mr. Noel-Baker

The loss of output incurred by the Anglo-Iranian Oil Company through the recent strike will be approximately 360,000 tons. This figure takes into account the time required to bring the Abadan refinery back to full production. Most of the oil from Abadan is used, not by His Majesty's Government, but by the general public in the countries to which it is shipped.

Sir W. Smithers

To what extent were Russian propaganda and intrigue responsible for this trouble?

Mr. Speaker

I do not think that that arises from this Question, which is only concerned with oil.

72. Mr. Swingler

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs what representations have recently been made to the Iranian Government concerning labour conditions in the oilfields of Southern Iran where British interests are involved; and with what result.

Mr. Noel-Baker

His Majesty's Government have always made it clear to the Iranian Government that they would welcome an improvement in labour conditions in Iran. They have not relaxed their efforts in this respect in recent months. I am happy to say that the Iranian Government are now engaged in drawing up regulations which will govern labour conditions in industry throughout the country, and I hope that this may lead to good results. My right hon. Friend has also taken up the question of labour conditions in the oilfields of Southern Iran with the Anglo-Iranian Oil Company.

Mr. Lennox-Boyd

In view of the huge increase in the labour force at Abadan during the war, amounting, I think, to double its size, and the acute difficulty of getting building materials, are not labour conditions in the oilfields in Southern Iran remarkably good?

Mr. Noel-Baker

I think they would still bear a good deal of improvement.